DOST, Cordillera groups roll out weaving dev’t plan

By Christian Robert M. Sandoval

BAGUIO CITY – The Dept. of Science and Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region and partner agencies launched the Cordillera weaving industry development plan here July 26 to boost the weaving industry in the region and highlight the vital role of weavers.
    “It is a blueprint to all stakeholders in the weaving industry to capitalize on strengths and opportunities within and outside the region while dealing with challenges to expand the industry’s share for the socio-economic development for the region,” said DOST-CAR regional director Dr. Nancy Bantog said in her message.
    She added the CWIDP “addresses government and private sector initiatives towards a competitive and sustainable weaving industry.”
    The CWIDP 2020-2028 envisions a Cordillera-inspired, creative, and vibrant weaving industry that is sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive, advanced by a community of artisans and entrepreneurs for the benefit of the Cordillera people.
    In his message, DOST Sec. Fortunato de la Peña congratulated stakeholders in the weaving sector.

“May our partnership with key agencies and lead institutions guide the region towards a competitive and sustainable weaving industry for the benefit of the community,” he said. “This is a testament that through science, technology, and innovation, we can improve lives of our people.”

The organized Cordillera Weaving Industry Council is the recognized body to implement CWIDP.

During the launching, a press conference was also held with the Philippine Information Agency with local media with stakeholders.

Also present were academe, officials of the Dept. of Trade and Industry-CAR, National Economic Development Authority, local government units and weaver groups.

These included West Quirino Hill Women’s Organization, Share Weavers Association, Conquerors Association of Middle Quirino Hill, D’ Dreamers Association, Bloom Weavers Association, Agape Weavers Association, Blessed Hope Association, Ubob-on Di Babae ed  Cypress Irisan, Kulibangbang Weavers, Highland Women Multi-purpose Cooperative, and Weaving Arts and Crafts of Tublay).

As chair of the Cordillera Weaving Industry Council (CWIC), DOST-CAR organized the Cordillera weaving industry summit from July 26-30 in time with the 34th Cordillera Month celebrations.

Activities included face-to-face and virtual webinars, trainings and workshops for local weavers on topics such as contemporary fashion trends and basic handloom as well as marketing trends and opportunities in traditional and digital platforms.

Weaver groups from Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province joined via live webcast of the events.